ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
"Student – Scientist connect at CSIR-IIP"
The students from KV-IIP Dehradun, DAV Public School Dehradun, St. Kabeer Academy Dehradun, SGRR Public School, Nehrugram, Dehradun and NSS Doiwala Dehradun actively participated in various competitions
On the third day of its "One Week One lab" campaign, CSIR-IIP organized a half-day Jigyasa program for school students at its laboratory premises in Dehradun. The event's objective was to teach the scientific temperament among school children. The program included interactive scientific presentations by the research scholars at CSIR-IIP. Over 75 students from different schools in and around Dehradun participated in the event. The students from KV-IIP Dehradun, DAV Public School Dehradun, St. Kabeer Academy Dehradun, SGRR Public School, Nehrugram, Dehradun and NSS Doiwala Dehradun actively participated in various competitions arranged for the students. The program began with the introduction of the Jigyasa program by Dr Aarti, Pr. Scientist CSIR-IIP. Director CSIR-IIP Dr Anjan Ray, in his welcome address, motivated the students and emphasized the importance and significance of Science in our day-to-day life. He also addressed the issues of global warming and the measures to be taken to mitigate it by minimizing the overconsumption of energy. Citing various examples, Dr Ray stressed on reasonable consumption of energy and water resources. The conservation of water and energy is a necessity to save our future.
The presentations were made by Ms Sakshi Bhatt, Mr Ramesh N. Goswami, and Mr Ankit Mishra. Ms Sakshi discussed the impacts of Carbon Dioxide on the environment; Mr Ramesh discussed carbon's origin and its allotropes, such as graphenes and their application. In contrast, Mr Ankit discussed different natural sources for the synthesis of biofuels.
The quiz and skit competitions were planned for the students. KV IIP Dehradun secured first prize, DAV Public School - Second Prize and Doiwala School secured third prize in the skit competition. The school students and audience actively participated in the quiz competition also. The DAV school secured first position, Doiwala school Second position and SGRR Nehrugram School and KV-IIP jointly secured third position in quiz completion. Director CSIR-IIP motivated the students by distributing the prize to the winners. Dr Deependra Tripathi delivered the vote of thanks for the program. Dr Jyoti Porwal and Miss Bhawna Sharma actively compeered the program while the Jigyasa team of CSIR-IIP played an active role in conducting the event.
Special Service and Features
MoRD Launched an e-commerce platform to showcase products of rural women self help groups
The Ministry of Rural Development  has been working with an aim to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor women as well as providing them increased income through better and profitable markets for their produce. The marketing channels available to women have been limited to their participation in different fairs especially under the banner of sARAs. Similarly the sale has also been restricted to physical stores established by the National Rural Livelihood Mission/ State Rural Livelihood Missions. At this juncture, while addressing the nation from the Red Fort on 15th August, 2022, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced about the establishment of an e-commerce platform for the produce of the self help group members. To facilitate this marketplace, MoRD has launched www.esams.in, which showcases products of women self- help groups from various states of the country on October 28, 2022. This would not only provide sufficient opportunities to the rural people who are not exposed to a distant, more competitive and lucrative marketplace, but would also cater to the needs of the consumers who are in search of natural and traditional products of the country.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, all the State Rural Livelihood Missions have been asked to purchase their products through this platform.
In addition the Ministries/Departments of Government of lndia have been requested to conduct awareness campaigns through all forms of publicity regarding the platform.
The MoRD has instructed its staff to purchase at least one product each from the platform and has also urged the public agencies and employees to make use of this portal as much as possible.
AP/BR/KRS
Ministry of Textiles
6 Regional Offices and 61 Handicraft Service Centers across the country cater and promote the handicraft industry
The Union Minister of State for Textiles, Smt. Darshana Jardosh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today, informed that there are 6 Regional Offices and 61 Handicraft Service Centers across the country to cater and promote the handicraft industry. The Office of Development Commissioner  already has 3  existing offices in the State of Rajasthan i.e. Handicrafts Service Centre at Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur under Northern Regional Office to cater to the needs of handicrafts artisans specially in Rajasthan.
Handicrafts items including Carpet and other Floor coverings worth Rs. 49,385.12 Crores were exported during the financial year 2021-22.
PIB Headquarters
Press Communique
Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes
The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes headed by Shri Ganesh Singh, M.P, Lok Sabha, is presently examining the subject "Rationalization of Creamy Layer in employment for OBCs in services and posts under the control of Government of India including Union Territories, PSUs etc."
In this process the Committee may inter-alia examine issues like the concept of Creamy Layer in employment for OBCs in posts and services under Government of India including Union Territories, PSUs etc,, enhancement of income criteria with regard to Creamy Layer and establishing equivalence of posts in Central PSUs, Banks, Insurance Institutions etc, with posts in Government of India for establishing Creamy Layer criteria amongst OBCs. The Committee solicits views/suggestions from individuals/experts/associations/organisations interested in the subject matter.
Those desirous of submitting memoranda to the Committee may send/e-mail the same either in English or Hindi to the Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 131, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-110001, Tel: 011-23035373, E-mail: comobc-Iss@sansad.nic.in within twenty days of publication of this communique.
The Memoranda submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be at the disposal of the Committee. The Memoranda submitted would be treated as 'confidential and would enjoy privileges of the Committee,
27th September, 2018
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President inaugurats the 23 rd edition of Hornbill Festival
VP says, "India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture"
VP praises Nagaland for lowest crimes against women in the country
The Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama near the state capital, Kohima. The Vice President, sounded the Inauguration Gong along with the Governor & the Chief Minister of the Nagaland to declare the "Festival of Festivals" open.
Shri Dhankhar, who arrived on his maiden tour to Nagaland as the Vice President, was felicitated with Tsiiphie  & Amula kaxa  at the opening ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said that India is a land of culture & Indians are proud of their tribal culture.
Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Shri Dhankhar said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy."
Describing natural beauty of the state as enchanting, he underlined that the state has great tourism potential which needs to be tapped fully.
Lauding Nagaland for having lowest crime rate against the women in the country, the Vice President said that the state is showing way in women empowerment.
Noting that India has assumed the presidency of G-20 from today, Shri Dhankhar said that the world will be able to experience Naga hospitality when a meeting of G20 will be held in the state in April next year. On this occasion, Vice President also released a postage stamp to commemorate the festival.
After inauguration of Hornbill Festival, the Vice President visited Art Gallery and Morungs at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President met with the Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister, Shri Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Y Patton and the Council of Ministers at Raj Bhawan, Kohima.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal for winning the Bronze Medal in Squash Mixed Doubles event
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal for winning the Bronze Medal in Squash Mixed Doubles event at Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"It is always a delight to see our athletes excelling in various sports at the CWG. Congratulations to @SauravGhosal and @DipikaPallikal for winning the Bronze medal in the Squash Mixed Doubles event. They demonstrated great skill and teamwork. Best wishes to them. #Cheer4India"
Special Service and Features
Workshop on “Towards a safer women workspace” inaugurated today Ms. Suja Sukumaran, Co-Head & Support Enfold
Workshop on “Towards a safer women workspace” Conducted by Internal Complaints Committee , NITT, 5-9 December 2022. Internal complaints committee  is organizing a week-long workshop on the theme of “Towards a safer women workspace” from Dec 05-09,2022 for the stakeholders of the Institute to create awareness on sexual harassment  Act, 2013. This program has been conducted to ensure a safe and secure workspace
for women.
Sessions on gender sensitization, the Posh act, Vishaka guidelines, sexual harassment at the workplace, yoga & self-defense, talk on mental health, and work-life balance has been planned with resource persons who have been exclusively working on these domains across the country. PENN trust, Chennai is conducting a half-day long self-defense workshop on Thursday  Inaugural of the workshop was presided over by Prof. Dr. G. Aghila, Director of the Institute and chief guest Ms. Suja Sukumaran, Co-Head & Support Enfold trust, Deans, CVO, and ICC presiding officer Prof. G. Uma were present at the occasion. Dr.G.Aghila, Director, NITT deliberated on the importance of having both genders sensitized on the topic. Ms. Suja Sukumaran, Co-Head & Support Enfold trust mentioned that workshops of this nature should reach out to the students, women faculty, and staff so that they are aware of the various provisions available to them. It is also important both genders must thrive together with no discrimination and it is the basic right of women to have a dignified and healthy workspace.
The participants were welcomed by Dr.Josephine, Co-ordinator, a brief introduction of ICC was given by Dr.K.N.Sheeba, Convener of the workshop, and Dr.Roobala proposed the vote of thanks. This 5-days workshop is conceived and materialized by ICC under the chairmanship of Dr.G.Uma, Presiding Officer, ICC.
More than 50 participants have registered for the workshop.
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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves waiver of repayment of loan and interest thereon, worth over Rupees Four crore, outstanding against the Sikkim Mining Corporation
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded its approval for waiver of repayment of loan of Rs.54 lakh and interest thereon, amounting to Rs.370.40 lakh, totalling Rs. 424.40 lakh plus the amount of interest that will accrue on total amount, from 01.04.2019 till this approval outstanding against the Sikkim Mining Corporation.
Benefit:
Further accumulation of interest on principal loan will get extinguished and the liquidation process of the Corporation will get completed.
Background:
Sikkim Mining Corporation  was established on the 27th February, 1960 as Joint Venture undertaking of Government of Sikkim and Government of India. It was incurring losses every year since its inception. To optimise the financial health of the Corporation, a Consultant was engaged in 1999 which inter alia suggested diversification of activities of the Corporation and also strengthening of technical staff in conjunction with retrenchment of excess manpower at lower levels. However, keeping in view the recurring losses incurred by the Corporation since its very inception, recommendation of Accountant General of Sikkim, and advice tendered by the erstwhile Planning Commission both the partners of JVC  engaged a Consultant to spell out a road map for the future of the Corporation in 2003. On the basis of report of the consultant & 107th Report of Public Accounts Committee  of State Legislative Assembly of Sikkim, State and Central Governments took joint decision to close down the mining operations of the Corporation and to settle all its dues and liabilities.
Consequently, mining operations of the Corporation at Bhotang and Phachey Khani mines were closed down with effect from 01.01.2007. Liabilities towards VRS etc of employees of the corporation were settled from the amount release by erstwhile Planning Commission  and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region . Liabilities of the Corporation to the tune of Rs.685.60 lakhs towards the State Government of Sikkim were waived off by the State Government of Sikkim. An amount of Rs. 11.21 lakh accrued from sale of scraps of machineries of the corporation was returned to Government of India.
Ministry of Education
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan announces NCERT as Deemed-to-be-University
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan attends the 63rd Foundation Day Celebration of NCERT, inaugurates new ICT laboratory of the CIET
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan attended the 63rd Foundation Day Celebration of NCERT today in New Delhi. The Minister also inaugurated a new Information and Communication Technology  laboratory of the CIET on the occasion. Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Director, NCERT, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; Chancellor, NIEPA, Shri Mahesh Chandra Pant, and senior officials of the Ministry of Education, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and CBSE were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan informed that NCERT has been given the status of a Deemed-to-be-University. NCERT has established a formidable presence in research, actively shaped school education, teacher training, and adult literacy. NCERT on becoming a research university will offer opportunities for global collaborations and contributions to the global educational landscape, he added.
The Minister further said that Jadui Pitara- -a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8 years developed by NCERT will come up as a instrument of change that will benefit 10 crore children of the country, he stressed.
Shri Pradhan also emphasized developing content in mother tongue. He suggested setting up Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence labs in all 7 regional centres of NCERT. To make India the global hub of research and innovation these centres should be equipped with the latest technologies from around the world with future-ready infrastructure, he added. He also urged NCERT to standardize the Teachers’ training curriculum to NCERT in its ECCE.
Shri Pradhan also mentioned that children of the country should be ready for the Industrial Revolution 4.0. He suggested developing small booklets on varied subjects that will provide the facts on the subjects like India’s COVID-19 management, Chandrayaan 3, etc. The new generations must be taught of the latest developments as well as Indian values and ethos, he emphasized.
Shri Sanjay Kumar praised the efforts made by NCERT in developing learning materials in line with the suggestions of NEP2020. He stressed on the importance of bringing all the streams like art, science, vocational studies etc. into one platform to provide holistic learning to the children. He also informed NCERT will be developing educational material in all 22 languages with the help of software like Anuvadini.
During the event, the students of the Regional Institute of Education, Bhopal, also presented a skit on Jadui Pitara along with song performed in 22 languages. A short film was showcased during the function that highlighted several significant initiatives and achievements of NCERT.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves setting up of a Central University in Andhra Pradesh
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its in-principle approval for establishing a Central University by the name of “Central University of Andhra Pradesh” in Janthaluru Village of Ananthapur District, Andhra Pradesh. A provision of funds worth Rs. 450 crore has been approved for meeting the first phase expenditure towards establishment of the said University.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal for operationalization of the Central University in the transit campus, initially by forming a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in order to give a legal status to it till the amendment to the Central Universities Act, 2009 is enacted and to enable commencement of academic activities from the Academic Year 2018-19. The Central University would be mentored by an existing Central University till its governing structure is in place.
The approval would increase access and quality of higher education and help in minimizing the regional imbalances in education facilities, and give effect to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
AKT/VBA/SH
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Organizations and activists which are part of Hurriyat are behind stone-pelting incidents in Jammu and Kashmir: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
All essential services functioning normally in the Valley: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
5,161 persons taken into preventive custody in Kashmir Valley since 4th August, 2019: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to a question regarding militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, in Rajya Sabha today, said that to prevent commission of offences involving breach of peace, activities prejudicial to the security of the State and maintenance of public order, 5161 persons including political leaders/workers, stone pelters, OGWs, separatists, etc. were taken into preventive custody in Kashmir Valley since 4th August, 2019. He added that out of these, presently 609 persons are under preventive detentions which include 218 stone pelters. He further noted that after 5th August, 2019, 194 cases have been registered in Jammu and Kashmir for breach of peace.
Commenting on the financing of militants and separatists, Shri Reddy said that illegal money is being sent through hawala channels from across the border to finance terror related activities, stone pelting and attack on Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that investigation has revealed that various separatist organisations and activists which are part of Hurriyat have been behind the incidents of stone pelting in Kashmir valley and that the NIA has chargesheeted 18 persons in the terror funding cases so far.
The Minister also remarked that due to the recent decisions, certain precautionary measures taken initially have already been substantially relaxed and it has been reported by Government of Jammu and Kashmir that all essential services are functioning normally in the Valley.
Ministry of Power
NTPC REL Secures Bid for 80 MW Floating Solar Project at Omkareshwar Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh
NTPC Renewable Energy Limited is the successful bidder for 80 MW Floating Solar capacity at Omkareshwar Reservoir, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
The bidding was conducted on 8th August 2023 by Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited , the JV Company of Solar Energy Corporation of India  and MP Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. The discovered tariff is ₹3.80/kWh and the energy generated from the project shall be used by MP state DISCOMs.
With completion of this project, the floating solar capacity of NTPC shall be 342 MW. The biggest Floating Solar project in the country is of 100 MW capacity located at NTPC Ramagundam in Telangana.
As on date, NTPC Group has 3.3 GW RE operational capacity, 20 GW RE capacity in pipeline, including 4 GW Energy Storage System and country’s first Green Hydrogen based PNG blending project.
NTPC is committed to achieve 60 GW of Renewable Energy capacity by 2032 and be a major player in Green Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage domain.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Union Power & NRE Minister Shri R. K. Singh exhorts women to increase participation in Renewable Energy sector and steer India's Energy Transition towards Net Zero
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Organises “Women in Renewable Energy” Event Focusing on Enhancing Women’s Participation in the Sector
On the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, 2023, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy organised an event titled “Women in Renewable Energy: A Dialogue on Policy, Technology, Skilling, and Finance” in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy R K Singh mentioned India’s key achievements in the renewable energy sector and stated that India’s actions are in line with commitments made in the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. He exhorted women to increase participation in the Renewable Energy sector and steer India's Energy Transition towards Net Zero.
Highlighting the role of women in combating climate change, the Minister emphasized the significance of developing women-centric policies and implementation frameworks in the renewable energy sector. He recognized how women are more effective in bringing about change at the grassroots level through community engagement and household-level action. He noted that women, especially in rural areas, can benefit from Decentralised Renewable Energy  and gain reliable livelihood opportunities. He also highlighted that women can play a big role in switching to green cooking which can be another big step in achieving Net Zero.
Secretary, MNRE B S Bhalla highlighted the increasing opportunities for women in the Renewable Energy sector and the need for enrolment in courses for education, training, and capacity building relating to renewable energy sources.
On this occasion, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced to recognise the work of women in renewable energy sector under the following categories:
- Fostering a gender-diverse work place
- Outstanding Woman Entrepreneurs 
- Rural Women Entrepreneurs
- NGOs or Civil Society Organisations encouraging Women for the use of Renewable Energy
- Women Leading the Change for Renewable Energy, separately in urban areas and Rural areas
The event was organised in association with NRDC India  aiming to:
- Learn from the experience of women leaders about on-ground implementation and use of renewable energy technologies
- Understand the pivotal role of women in the renewable energy value chain, and how their increased participation through supportive polices, innovative financial mechanisms, and capacity building could impact long-term energy security in the country
- Identify challenges and potential interventions related to finance, technology and skilling which can scale up implementation of women-led climate-friendly solutions
The event was attended by more than 180 participants comprising stakeholders across the value chain, including from union ministries, state departments, multilateral organisations, financiers, technology suppliers, think tanks and beneficiaries.